7. "If There Is I Haven't Found It Yet"Nick Payne's clever, edgy domestic drama starring Jake Gyllenhaal is a delight. Making it even more special was the set design by Beowulf Boritt under the direction of Michael Longhurst: All the furniture was piled in the center of the stage and each piece was taken and then discarded after every scene (appropriate for a play that discusses trashing the planet). It culminated in major watery magic as the stage flooded. Can sets get a standing-O?

The New York Times also highlighted the play as one of the year's most Galvanizing Theater Moments:

APOCALYPTIC ENDINGS No cleanup crews worked harder than those at “If There Is I Haven’t Found It Yet” (left) and “Assistance.” Each play ended by conjuring collapse, as water filled the stage of “If There Is” and office shelves, computers, and lights buckled to the floor in “Assistance.” Beowulf Boritt and David Korins, respectively, did the sets. Patrick Healy

End of Watch made it to several year-end Best lists, most notably Roger Ebert's:

4. End of Watch:Here is one of the best police movies in recent years, a virtuoso joining of performances and often-startling action. It stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña as Taylor and Zavala, two Los Angeles street cops who bend a few rules but must be acknowledged as heroes. After too many police movies about officers who essentially use their badges as licenses to run wild, it's inspiring to realize these men take their mission -- to serve and protect -- with such seriousness they're willing to risk their lives.

Taylor and Zavala fit the template of the "cop buddy movie," but "End of Watch" goes so much deeper than that. They've been partners for years, and are so close that Zavala's wife Gabby (Natalie Martinez) and Taylor's girlfriend Janet (Anna Kendrick) have become like sisters. They're transferred to a tough, largely Mexican-American district, where their persistence leads them across the scent of a Mexican drug cartel operating in L.A. This is really an assignment for a detective, but they don't avoid risk, and eventually become so dangerous to the cartel that a hit is ordered against them.

13. End of WatchThere was more genuine chemistry between Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña, playing a pair of profanity spewing, ass-kicking LAPD officers, than you’ll find in all of this year’s romcoms combined.

David Ayer celebrates the work ethic and bravery of two cops, partners on the beat in East Los Angeles, who face an unforgiving world with humor and verbal acuity. Shot on the run, the movie was choreographed with no room for waste or error: Ayer shot 135 hours of footage in 22 days. Jack Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena were primed and ready and give the best performances of their respective careers.

End of Watch"End of Watch" is one of the most overlooked dramas of the year, a harrowing and gritty cop drama, that’s as realistic as it is intense. Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña deliver stellar performances as LAPD officers who find themselves on the hit list of a violent gang. The film is shot with an intimacy that puts viewers not a step behind, but right next to Gyllenhaal and Pena, heightening the experience of what is easily the best cop drama in recent memory.

I knew when this was released that it was going to be overlooked come awards time and I was right. Other than a few random mentions (usually in reference to Jake Gyllenhaal's performance), David Ayer's gritty, realistic, in-your-face buddy cop drama has been overlooked for end of the year honors. Why? Maybe it's the genre or the found footage aspect, or maybe the lack of attention at the box office had something to do with it. It received a "Certified Fresh" stamp on RottenTomatoes with 134 critics giving it a "Fresh" rating and it almost doubled its $7 million budget over its opening weekend, yet you really didn't hear much about it after its release - and that's too bad for adult moviegoers. Hopefully End of Watch will find the audience it deserves on DVD.

9. End of WatchWhat first seems like a routine inner-city cop drama soon morphs into a fascinating study of male camaraderie under the most trying of circumstances, as two LAPD cops (Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Pena)—and best friends—find themselves squaring off against Mexican drug cartels that have spilled into southern California.

Cop-buddy movies are hardly a rarity, but David Ayer's kinetic, electric and humane exploration of the friendship between a white cop (Jake Gyllenhaal, right) and Latino cop (Michael Peña) on the streets of L.A. is several notches above the competition.

I can't tell whether I feel that End of Watch was the best movie of the year — nor do I know what that means, anyway — but it was definitely my favorite. I went in having no idea what to expect, but dreading a Training Day–like assault (David Ayer, the screenwriter of Training Day, wrote and directed End of
Watch). Instead of cynical thrills, though, the audience is treated to a story about humanity and friendship in the guise of an exciting cop story. (I wrote about Jake Gyllenhaal's and Michael Pena's characters here in our "Most Unforgettable Characters of 2012" story.) This movie didn't get the love it deserved; it's not too late, though!

Brian and Mike:

I loved this movie in large part because I've never seen a male friendship portrayed this way: Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena were wonderful as work partners and best friends. Bro, bro, bro; dude, dude, dude — yes, they said that a lot. Beyond that, End of Watch was a cop thriller; an inventive narrative (much of the movie was filmed by a camera mounted on Gyllenhaal for his character's film class project); and a love story about friends. Boy, did I cry at the end.

Honorable mention (in alphabetical order): Leslye Headland’s debut film “Bachelorette” is like the smarter, meaner big sister to “Bridesmaids.” The irresistible bayou fantasy “Beasts of the Southern Wild,” with its even more irresistible pint-size heroine, was the year’s indie-film surprise. A bittersweet love story (not for kids!) with spectacular painterly backdrops and a score by Cuban jazz legend Bebo Valdés, “Chico & Rita” was both the music film and animated film of the year. Christopher Nolan brought his Batman trilogy to a crashing conclusion with the huge and bitter allegory of “The Dark Knight Rises.” Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña are magnificent in David Ayer’s “End of Watch,” a classic L.A. cop drama.

And we can't forget about this one: Vanity Fair Italy put Jake at the top of their 2012 list of sexy celebrities. Right at the top.

Jake seems to have a co-worker in "Prisoners", Detective Chemelinksi, played by Todd Truley. Yesterday "My Entertainment World" updated their status informations on "Prionsers". Filming won't begin on January 16, but in February, as previously reported. So Jake has some weeks off.

After all it wasn't such a bad idea to release EoW in Germany shortly before Christmas. The movie isn't a smash hit, but holds steady in its second weekend and has already attracted more visitors than "Argo" and "Contraband" and will easily pass "The Grey" and "Chronicle".

Happy New Year, everyone!What an elaborate post, UV! And such a striking opening picture.

It's been indeed a wonderfully busy year for Jake, professionally and emotionally rewarding. It's been a lovely year for us, his fans. With all the upcoming projects, 2013 is shaping up beautifully: first the intriguing "Prisoners"; the anticipated promotion (Cannes maybe?) of the promising "An Enemy"; the spring/summer of the enigmatic "Mississippi Grind" and another frentic fall season promoting "Prisoners". Then whatever else will come...I think it's good they'll start shooting "Prisoners" in February (January is a hectic award ceremonies month), giving Jake, after 4 months of theatre marathon, time to readjust, enjoy some well-deserved rest, and prepare for Detective Loki. :) It's gonna be another full year that will hopefully end with some recognition of his work, passion for film making and talent.

UV, may I suggest another EoW mention to add to this impressive "best of the year" list?

From Poptimal.com:

9. End of Watch I initially walked into End of Watch with the eye-rolling attitude of “Here comes yet another buddy cop movie…” but came out completely blown away by what I had just seen. The friendship that is built on screen between Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena is so potent and believable that if you’re not sobbing by the end of this flick there may in fact be something wrong with you. (...)

According to Mecanismo Films, a Spanish company that co-produces "An Enemy", the movie will premiere end of 2013. I guess after those conflicting informations on "An Enemy" we just have to wait and see what happens.

Boy Jake's fans have a meltdown every time he is attached to anyone. And his fans seem to read his mind on who he will not date. I don't recall Jake cutting out women with children from his dating pool, I recall a supposed no name friend that said Jake would not date actresses again.

And Katie seems cool and mature, let him date her r any baby's mama if that is what he wants.

And I rem that Jake said once that he never ever date a woman again whit a child because of what happed whit reese and her Kids.

he never said that.

I saw The Impossible. It's a good movie with great performances from the entire cast, especially of Naomi Watts and Tom Holland. The heartbreaking scene comes from Ewan McGregor.The art direction and special effects are excellent.I also saw Life of Pi. Another great film from Ang Lee.

Evrything that you read in magazines about jake is given by his sources...and in fact one source close to Jake a Family I think one of his uncles said that It whas the last time jake would date a womand whit childeren, cause what happend when he break up whit Reese...cause he loved her kids so mutch and he was broken after that relationship.

So Scott evrything that you know of of read about Jake is given by his sources, most of the times it is his good friends and ore family. and she dind say that she dind whant him to date Kate...she said...She dind believe it because the same thing happend when he whas seen a vieuw times dinning whit Olivia Wild. and they are just close friends.so I think she whants to say that...like we all know now...If we dind get this info from first hand by Jake himself ore one of his close sources then its her right that she dont belive it. cause many times people make the same misstake when they see Jake whit a woman having a good laugh of having a dinner. it doesnt means ennything if we dont here it from jake himself.

I agree whit you! If we dont hear It from someone close to Jake ore himself then we maye say its not true.

@ Rachealevrything that you know of of read about Jake is given by his sources, most of the times it is his good friends and ore family. and she dind say that she dind whant him to date Kate...she said...She dind believe it because the same thing happend when he whas seen a vieuw times dinning whit Olivia Wild. and they are just close friends.so I think she whants to say that...like we all know now...If we dind get this info from first hand by Jake himself ore one of his close sources then its her right that she dont belive it. cause many times people make the same misstake when they see Jake whit a woman having a good laugh of having a dinner. it doesnt means ennything if we dont here it from jake himself.

and @

Rachel said...and Jake has already been to see her in Dead Accounts

How would that have happened when he himself was on stage until December 23rd?

Sadly, I think that bit of fluff was supposed to help sell tickets - it's closing January 6th ( was supposed to run until Feb. 24th ) due to low ticket sales

Me saying.

You are right in that one to, he was on stage that night. he cant be at two places that night. ( ore maybe he is supermen):-)

I'm new and I follow your conversations already a couple of weeks. only I whas scared to place a message here on this board, also because I didn't know where I had to start and also because as a new Member, often seen as a Fake.

I am from London and I'm 15 years and actually a big fan of Jake since my 5th I want to say

It is indeed true that we have everything from his sources. as a result, we know so many facts.

But there is also the fact, that every time when jake is spotting with a woman after a chat on the street ore having a dinner, than they already said that he is dating that person.

I say, therefore, that this whole story must retrieve the cards sales!

We will see!

Ow I forgot

Happy new year to evrybody here!!!!!

I hope my message shows up good. I trai a vieuw times but it dind work.

Lol, Gossip cop has refuted (correctly so) a lot of mistruths about Jake and other people.

Maybe fans should go to the Gossip cop website before getting upset that Jake is dating. Although he probably is dating someone as we speak. Now I know why Jake is so secretive about his dating life, to keep his fans from having heart attacks.

"This is a distraction from the fact her play closed early due to low ticket sales, that's all"

Not sure how the rumor started but Kate's rep was the first to deny it, so I will give her the benefit of the doubt. And I am not so sure this rumor is far off base, maybe they did have dinner as friends. Sc

His rep assures Wonderwall that the hookup report is "a lie [and] a total fabrication, and we are looking into our legal options against the tabloid that started it. Enough is enough for 2013, and media organizations need to be accountable for their reporting."

Scott said...Lol, ok anon 8:50pm, Jake is not dating Katie Holmes but I am pretty sure he does date other women. Get use to it.

Scott- Evrytime that Someone post a message ore a link of a revieuw ore a gossip thing. that doesnt mean that this person is a bad fan. cause in this hole block evryone post a intervieuw ore a twitter-post under the name Anonymous. And she cant help it that a gossip magazine ore website made things up and bring this shit to the public!She only post a link, that evryone reads. Like many others here on this blog.So shut up Scott and stop saying things that a other person already said and you dont like it but a vieuw post later you came up whit the same shit!!!

Gyllenhaal, 32, who has kept his love life decidedly low-key after his brief, ill-fated but song-inspiring romance with Taylor Swift, offers a more forceful denial.

His rep assures Wonderwall that the hookup report is "a lie [and] a total fabrication, and we are looking into our legal options against the tabloid that started it. Enough is enough for 2013, and media organizations need to be accountable for their reporting."

This is from http://wonderwall.msn.com/movies/gossip-is-katie-holmes-secretly-dating-jake-gyllenhaal-1727251.story

Wow chill, Jake dates that is all I am saying. It does not matter if the person is famous or not. I don't understand why a frenzy happens when Jake is linked to someone famous or not. The same thing happened a couple of months ago to a lovely non famous girl. I am huge fan of Jake and want him to be happy and yes that means dating.

What You Need To Know: “Prisoners” placed highly on the Black List in 2009, and a feeding frenzy of talent circled the picture for months, including Bryan Singer, Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Antoine Fuqua, Leonardo DiCaprio and Hugh Jackman. The project’s heat cooled and everyone moved on, but then the movie slowly crawled back to life thanks to the persistence of the producers who knew they had a great script at hand. “Incendies” director Denis Villeneuve signed on to helm, Jackman returned to the fold, and the cast now also includes Jake Gyllenhaal, Paul Dano, Melissa Leo, Maria Bello, Terrence Howard and Viola Davis. Jackman plays the father, and Gyllenhaal plays the detective on the case. We read the script ages ago and won’t spoil the rest, but suffice to say it’s taut, lean and mean, and there’s a reason all these talented players were interested at one time or another.Release Date: September 20, 2013, which likely means a premiere in Toronto first.

we are looking into our legal options against the tabloid that started it.

wow I hope it's true.

Scott is one of the best posts of here and deserves respect.

When will you stop posting using different names? We know it's the same person. Go away.

January 2, 2013 11:13 PM

This post is posted by someone els that said that it is maybe a good idea to put (by the name) where the message is from. You need to read beter before you answer a message.

This is what Mine Opinion said.

Mine opinion said...Maybe its beter when someone post a twitter post ore FB post ore intervieuw. that instead using the name Anonymous ,they use the name where the message is from. like Name:Twitter ore FB.

Cause the PPl how are here for many months are also posting twitter post under the name Anon.

I think she ore he is right. Cause Its not always the same person how post the Anon post, that are from twitter etc.

We read the script ages ago and won’t spoil the rest, but suffice to say it’s taut, lean and mean, and there’s a reason all these talented players were interested at one time or another.

That sounds intriguing. The only reason I'm not rooting for "Prisoners" quite as much as for "An Enemy" is because Jake has been relegated to a supporting role. When was the last time Jake didn't appear in the poster of one of his movies? Eventually I'll get over it. ;)I suppose nowadays Jake has the choice between leading roles in small independent movies and supporting roles in major movies.

I think Jake has accepted this movie, independently from the role, but because Denis Villeneuve is the director, and as Vrieta says, Denis has involve him in the project,Jake has accepted after the screen-play is changed,I think.

I think Jake has accepted this movie, independently from the role, but because Denis Villeneuve is the director, and as Vrieta says, Denis has involve him in the project,Jake has accepted after the screen-play is changed,I think.

Well, yes. But I don't think Jake stood a chance to get the leading role in "Prisoners" even though it's far more likely that the father of a six year old girl from a working class family is 32, not 44.

Perhaps I'm wrong , but I don't even believe that Jake was interested in this project, as you have said, it is not the type of movie that can have him as protagonist, I think the only motive for which Jake belongs to this project is Denis Villeneuve.

Ah sorry Hagen I had gotten the contrary one of what you have said, however HJ is more probable as father than Jake to me, I don't know maybe he surprise me as in EOW, but Jake is still too "boy" in a good way of course :)

I don't know, Hagen, but I would not be so pessimistic, has been a true good year for Jake, commercially but above all for the recognition of his talent as an actor, and at times talent can be more important than the "name".

I don't know, Hagen, but I would not be so pessimistic, has been a true good year for Jake, commercially but above all for the recognition of his talent as an actor, and at times talent can be more important than the "name".

"I'm just asserting that it's unlikely that we'll see Jake in a leading role in a major movie in the near future. "

Hmm, I hope you are wrong but how many actors in a leading role in a major movie do not have other names as co-stars. It takes the right property and luck for an actor to get a franchise. I just read where Chris Pine has gotten another potential franchise, other actors have played the lead role so the franchise is establish. Just like the Bourne series, I do not Jeremy Renner brought audiences to that movie, it was Matt Damon that developed that character. My wish for Jake is to start his own franchise and I think that would be possible with Colter Stevens but unfortunately my ideas do not count. I think SC could do really good box office in a sequel. But with better villains than the original.

Scott,I don't know if I would like that Jake had a franchise. Every fortunate actor can have it, I would like that Jake was recognized for his great talent, I would like that he made beautiful and controversial film as Donnie Darko EOW and BBM, and I would like to see him in new complexes roles and and new stimulants challenges, because him unlike Chris Pine can afford it.

I would like to see him in new complexes roles and and new stimulants challenges, because him unlike Chris Pine can afford it."

True but a successful franchise may help Jake to get more of his projects done faster. But Jake is a great actor and I think his focus has changed to complex roles like you have stated. Unfortunately HW is so financially political, talent does not always persevere.

I don't know, Hagen, but I would not be so pessimistic, has been a true good year for Jake, commercially but above all for the recognition of his talent as an actor, and at times talent can be more important than the "name".

I don't mind Jake starring in small independent movies as long as many of his fans get the chance to watch his movies in cinema. I've got mixed feelings about his supporting role in a big budget film, but I'm not pessimistic about his carrer.

My wish for Jake is to start his own franchise.

I think UV feels the same way. I'm not a fan of franchise movies, I was rather thinking of films like "Zodiac" and "Jarhead", but that kind of big budget non-franchise movies is on the decline anyway.

Unfortunately HW is so financially political, talent does not always persevere.

That's so true Scott.

I would like for Jake the whole success of this world, a successful franchise,a super Hit everything he want,but I think about him as an artist as someone that can overcome the usury of the time with his talent, in 20 years, few will speak of Chris P in Star Trek but everybody will remember Jake as Donnie or Jack Twist, I hope in even more great Iconic Roles in the future.

Hagen, I would like to see him in a villain role but what more I love of Jake it is the ability to surprise, I would never thought that Jake can be so believable and true in the police officer's part in EOW, and his choice to debut OB with If There Is with the further risk of the English accent has been hazardous particular but farsighted.

Hagen, I would like to see him in a villain role but what more I love of Jake it is the ability to surprise, I would never thought that Jake can be so believable and true in the police officer's part in EOW, and his choice to debut OB with If There Is with the further risk of the English accent has been hazardous particular but farsighted.

The variety of his roles is certainly one of Jake's strengths and I've got the impression that he gets credit for that among critics.

Hagen It's strange as suddenly last year the critical has acknowledged (again) Jake's talent, for years they almost ignored him, as if to get the nomination to the Oscar when he was only 24 years old, or win the bafta and also win all that prizes even before BBM was a case.

I remember was told that Villeneuve showed the script to Jake and he liked it. What makes me think that the script attracted him first and, of course, working again with Villeneuve.supporting role is not a bad thing. In the end, he can be better than the protagonist. Everything depends on how his character is.Also, I'm excited about the opportunity to see Jake working alongside a big star like Hugh Jackman and all those other actors who are in the film.

I want him to have a franchise, but first I want to see him return to being recognized as a great actor.

Thank you, girls, for getting the conversation back on track!There are so many threads in this conversation, I'll start with:

I do believe Jake took the role in "Prisoners" partly (if not mainly) because of Villeneuve. I'm not gonna rehash my theory about Villeneuve being the likemind director Jake wants to work with... Still, they will be making 2 movies in less than a year.

However, because I've read the step-by-step recap of the script, I can say that Detective Loki is not a supporting role. He's the second most important character (think Tommy Lee Jones in "The Fugitive"), sort of a secondary-lead, even if the short oficial synopsis doesn't make it clear. Jake will be in the supporting category as a technicality, if it comes to awards consideration.

Without giving away spoilers (the script has several narrative twists + lots of characters), Loki probably won't appear in the first 10-15 minutes (establishing the families and the premise). After his first appearance though (the setting for the upcoming tense interaction with Dover), he will be present until the very last scene of the movie. I hope they won't change it - truly a jaw-dropping scene.

The father, initially the hero, becomes an ambiguous anti-hero, by breaking not just legal, but moral and ethical laws, in spite of his noble quest. He starts out as a man of faith but loses any moral compass in the process. We might still root for him, although his actions are cruel.

The detective starts out as determined but cocky, sort of a nuisance for the character we perceive at first as the hero. Slowly but surely, Loki becomes the real hero - while losing some of his confidence, even his temper, acting on instinct, he becomes more and more emotionally involved in the case.

As Dover (with the best intentions) becomes less human, Loki becomes more human.As Dover descends into darkness, Loki finds the light. Figuratively and literally. In the end, the detective will save more than just the girl...

Also interesting (and challenging) will be Paul Dano's character, a mentally disturbed young man, who will be taken "prisoner", physically and psychologically tortured by Dover, in his desperate belief that the boy knows something. Probably the 3rd most important character in terms of relevance and screen time. The villain is also surprising...

In the script, Dover and his wife have 2 kids. Just like their neighbours. Both families have a teenager (16 years) and a little daughter (6 years). Jackman and T.Howard look like they could have teenage kids. Jake doesn't. The suitable role for Jake is Loki.

I'm talking about a recap of the initial script. I have no idea what has changed since then, although I'm sure Loki's relevance hasn't diminished.

The poster is a tentative one, from Sept/Oct 2012 (a year before the premiere). I believe they've put only Jackman's face on it because: 1) he plays the (principal) lead; 2) he's a big box-office name; 3) this early on, they want the viewers/buyers to know the premise of the story, not the development (Dover becomes less heroic as Loki becomes the real hero).

Thanks, Viv! There's a reason the script was once on the famous BlackList: it's tight and gripping. The oficial synopsis is actually the premise - just a small part of the story. There are many plot twists and surprises. With a thrilling script (hopefully the changes have improved it, not viceversa) and a remarkable cast, all it needs to become a great movie is a skillful director. And smart marketing, because the premise itself doesn't atract viewers. Like Scott said, let's hope for the best.

Yes, Jake has played a father of three (1+2) in "Zodiac". If I'm not mistaken, it was part of the criticism: that Jake looked too young to be believable. UV, bobbyanna, Hagen might give you more details, Viv...

BTW, speaking of "Zodiac": it followed R. Graysmith's books; the film's tagline made it look like he was the protagonist; Jake was first on the credits. But what we saw on screen was different. For two hours, Graysmith seemed like a supporting role. Only in the last half hour Fincher let Jake shine. So much about taglines. The execution might contradict them.

@Scott [Love your humour: go Kake, go Jate! :-) Can you imagine the level of insanity the trolls will reach when Jake will get married? We could sell tickets...]:

Hi Laure:)thanks for all these interesting information, now I can't wait for this movie even more Your description of the characters and their development in the history has made me think about Sam and Frodo in Lord of the Rings, where I have always thought that with to evolve of the history, the true hero it was Sam, more Frodo is captured by the dark power of the ring, more Sam shows strength goodness and heroism becoming the pivot of the story.

My neighbors freaking out because Jake Gyllenhaal was basically in our backyard, and she had no idea what was happening /: I live in a building, and he was literally 30 secs away from me. You down down a small hill behind my building and yep. LOL, I went looking for him for two days, and I saw him both days but actually met him on the second day. my neighbor had no idea what all the trailers were for though, and didn't take in it could be a movie :(

Scott, she is in Toronto, I think she is referencing a time when he was in Toronto making "Enemy." There is a photo of Jake with her & a friend, in the background it's sunny and green. : ) and it looks like it might have been taken at the college. He is dressed for "Enemy."

Alas, the unkempt, crazy beard he sports right now doesn't match the groomed beard he has sported for "An Enemy". Thank God, for "Prisoners", detective Loki can't have a shaggy beard. He's not Serpico, and he doesn't live in the '70s. Just sayin'.

Great analogy, FP. I can see it. The distinction would be that Loki and Dover are, for the most part, antagonists. Sort of. They have the same goal (finding the girls by finding the kidnapper), but follow different paths.The father breaks any conceivable law because for him it's personal - it's a dark path, dangerous for his soul.The detective follows the law (for him it's just a case, at first) - initially a fruitless path, more common, less intriguing, but keeping his soul intact allows him to find the truth. Loki becomes more edgy (and heroic) towards the end of the story.

Again, all these from the initial script; right now, on paper, the characters could be slightly different; come September, on screen, they could be considerably different.

An EnemyDir. Denis VilleneuveStarring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Melanie Laurent, Sarah Gadon, Isabella RosselliniAn Enemy is my most anticipated film of 2013. The fanboy in me can hardly contain his excitement for this film. An Enemy is the first film by director Denis Villeneuve since his Oscar nomination for Incendies and it’s an adaptation of an a novel by my favourite author, José Saramago. The Double doesn’t rank as one of the author’s strongest books, but it might be his most filmable one. This story about a man who turns a video store upside-down after seeing his doppelganger in an old movie might translate Saramago’s parenthetical prose more easily than, say, Blindness..

It's possible he is in Hollywood. It makes sense. Award season is starting. Are there any reports of who will present at the various programs? The only ones I know of are Amy Poehler & Tina Fey as hosts for Golden Globes a week from Sunday.

Of course there are other industry parties & meetings, too, so even if Jake isn't a presenter, he will have to go to some events I would think. I will be so happy to see a photo of him with a shave and a hair cut.

January 10 will be a frantic day: Critics' Choice Awards and the Oscar nominations. (I don't have false hopes for Oscars. If I have one glimmer of hope, it's for January 9 - BAFTA nominations. Maybe the Brits will come through once again for Jake.) With the anticipated Hollywood frenzy, I'd like to see Jake there for Critics' Choice. I know he went in 2006 but "Brokeback" was a frontrunner then. This time he's nominated in the action actor category. What chances does Brian Taylor has against Batman, Ironman, Bond? For Jake to win against Bale, RDJ, Craig it would be smashing!

I think I said it before: IMO, Jake would be the perfect presenter at the Golden Globes for "Les Miserables": he has artistic connections to both Annie Hathaway and Hugh Jackman, as their former/upcoming co-star.

FP: Interesting, cinemablographer's list of the most anticipated films partially coincides with Paris Match's "wish list" for Cannes. Besides "An Enemy", the same intriguing movies are mentioned on both lists: Woody Allen's new film with Cate Blanchett and Peter Sarsgaard, Cuaron's "Gravity" with Clooney, Malick's "Knight of Cups", Soderbergh's "Side Effects". My wish would be for Jake to have such opportunities someday...

Laure, not just Les Miserables, but Life of Pi and Ang Lee as well. But he showed a clip last year and I don't see him doing that again this year.It would be nice to see him presenting supporting actress.But if not in GG, can be at the Oscars, which is much better. He can present Les Mis or Life of Pi.

Scott, awards season is good to meet producers and filmmakers like Tarantino, Ang Lee, Afleck, Weinstein, David O.Russel ... All of them will be in Critic's Choice.Gosling did it. In Cannes, he asked to meet Malick, and he got the lead role in the untitled film.

But because of the filming of Prisoners, I don't see Jake in this awards season.

It's pretty likely Hugh Jackman and Viola Davis will be involved in awards season activities, and so might Melissa Leo.

Many film sets shut down during the Oscar festivities for at least a day or two. Hugh Jackman will porobably be nominated for an Oscar this year.

Monica you're right, there's a lot of business that gets done, and networking since this time of year brings a lot of people together in one place. There are industry parties sponsored by major studios and distributors, and the major agency parties too, like WME & CAA.

Jake has never seemed to just hang around to be seen on the party circuit, but if he has a purpose like presenting an award, we will see him.

Monica: "Life of Pi", absolutely! I completely forgot about it. You're right, if not at the Globes, he might be invited to present at the Oscars.

I think Monica has a point: Critics' Choice (while not as glitzy as GG or the Oscars) is a great platform to meet the most praised directors, powerful producers. As Jake doesn't live in Hollywood anymore, it would be good for him to reconnect, so to speak. Obviously, we don't know what Jake wants to do, if he's interested in reconnecting & networking at the moment.

Jake talked about that grey spot in his beard in an interview with British newspaper "The Telegraph" back in 2007: "He still gets recognised, even with the beard. 'There is a certain type of fan who will recognise you no matter what disguise you wear. But, hey, I have a grey spot right here.' He points to his beard. 'Maybe when I've got grey all over no one will recognise me. My sister has a grey spot there,' he points to his head. 'Maybe it's something genetic.' "

Thanks Laure for your informations about "Prisoners". I don't know anything about the story apart from the official synopsis. Looking at that early poster my only concern is that Jake is overshadowed by Hugh Jackman.

In the script, Dover and his wife have 2 kids. Just like their neighbours. Both families have a teenager (16 years) and a little daughter (6 years).

Thanks for the "Telegraph" link. I haven't read that interview in a looong time. They don't write them like this anymore. The interviews, I mean...

About the outline for "Prisoners": you're welcome, fellow Gyllenbabblers. I could give you more details but I assume you don't want spoilers. Not to mention there will be changes in the cinematic version. Speaking of...

Victoria Staley (Jill) looks a lot like Erin Gerasimovich (Anna Dover) but... according to the script, Anna has a teenage brother. I know I've failed to mention the teenagers' gender. (I also left out the villain's gender.) To clarify:The Dovers have a little girl (Anna) and a teenage boy (Ralph).The neighbours have a little girl (Joy) and a teenage girl (Eliza). There's no Jill that I remember of...

So, if Jill will be Anna's sister in the movie, we have the first adjustment. First of many others, I'm sure. Hopefully, the other changes will be beneficial to Jake, developping Loki.

You're right, Hagen, the early poster makes it look like "Prisoners" is all about Hugh's character.Let's hope the official poster will feature both actors, or more.It's not just Keller Dover's story. Loki is the second most relevant character, ultimately the hero.

Seeing the new pics, my first thought was: is he heading to the NY Public Library? Followed by: forget about Serpico's beard, this is getting into Hatfields & McCoys territory.I'm a little scared: what if they do invite him at the Globes, and he still keeps the beard? Imagine Jake in an exquisite designer's tuxedo, with his Gandalf beard... Yep, I'm scared.

While I love to know the basic outline of Jake's next film project and a little about his character, I generally prefer to see the movie and watch the story unfold with out knowing too many details ahead of time. I prefer to learn about it as the filmmaker intends to present it.

Thanks, Gyllencrazy for the link for those who are interested,& the warning about spoilers.

Agree, chica! At the very least that beard needs some "modifying." : )

It wasn't my intention to bother you, bobbyanna, or anyone else. I tried my best NOT to give away spoilers or too many details. My intention was to clarify some misunderstandings concerning Jake's character. I thought I was discreet and civilised. If I've broken any GB rules, please, do tell me.

Laure I have been happy, indeed, to read all the information and reflections that you have brought here about Prisoners, you have made my ideas clearest , and thanks to you it is notably increased in me the desire to see the movie, And I want say thank you Laure1 one more time!:)

No rules broken by anyone, not to worry. I appreciate Laure and everyone else having such a great discussion, especially since I haven't been here as much as usual lately. Work hell is almost done, just a couple more weeks. And holiday fun is sadly over.

I also haven't read all of the discussion because I'm a spoilerphobe. I don't think too much has been given away, but we should all remember to mark spoilers and realize that the final film may be very different.

Hagen, great memory on the beard gray spot. I had forgotten about that interview tidbit.

Like everyone except Gyllencrazy :) I hope Loki has to shave. A little stubble should do.

You're welcome, FP. I like to engage in conversations with all of you.

Sorry for my delayed response - believe it or not, I'm watching "The Day After Tomorrow". It wasn't programmed but, really, who can resist a 22-23 year old, baby-faced Jake? Particularly now that he has a passion for incontrolable Wild West facial hair...Loki is an accomplished by-the-book detective, he must have a dress (and grooming) code! Especially the grooming part.

Going back to baby-faced Jake now. He just saved Laura from the deluge [the irony is not lost on me :-)]. Now Dennis Quaid makes a promise. It's gonna get chilly...

Jay-Z, Chris Martin and Coldplay rang in 2013 at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. VIP guests included Christina Aguilera, Victor Cruz, Jake Gyllenhaal, Adrienne Bailon and Jessica White. In front of a packed house, the rapper and rocker toasted the New Year with the help of Martin’s wife, Gwyneth Paltrow, kids Apple and Moses, and singer Bridget Kelly. After the show came to an end with Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind,” the Nets part-owner and his friends hit the D’Usse Lounge backstage where they continued the celebration. Then Jay — without wife Beyoncé, who performed a private concert in Las Vegas — and Martin (sans Gwyneth, who took their kids home) headed to the 40/40 club in Manhattan where they were joined by Gyllenhaal, Michael K. Williams, Cruz and Kelly, who is Jay’s backup singer. The group plus more friends headed into a private room to down Ace of Spades champagne. A spy told us, “Partygoers in the club were snapping pics with their phones as Jay and Chris walked in the front door.”

From Page sixhttp://www.nypost.com/p/pagesix/jay_leads_barclays_bash_BFdLC8hfZeR6QaTmbZl0kK

After delivering strong supporting roles in "Killing Them Softly" and the soon-to-be released "Place Beyond the Pines," Ben Mendelsohn is looking to jump into the leading man limelight as he is in talks in the indie "Mississippi Grind."The pic also stars Jake Gyllenhaal, who will also produce, and follows a gambler in debt who sets off on a road trip through the Southern U.S. with a young gambling addict in an attempt to change his luck.

Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck will write and direct the pic. Besides Gyllenhaal, Lynette Howell, John Lesher and Jamie Patricof will also be producing through Electric City Entertainment.

After breaking through with the Australian crime pic "Animal Kingdom" and gathering up a handful of smaller roles, Mendelsohn has now begun taking his step into leading man territory.

Besides "Mississippi Grind," Mendelsohn is set to star in Ryan Gosling's directorial debut "How to Catch a Monster" with Christina Hendricks. He is repped by CAA and RGM Artist Group.

Indiewire has the same thought: "No word yet on when "Mississippi Grind" will shot, but considering Mendelsohn is also lined up for Ryan Gosling's directorial debut "How To Catch A Monster" which shoots in the spring, we'd wager the low budet film will roll in front of cameras in the latter part of 2013."

Thanks for all the information on Mississippi Grind. I may be wrong, but I picture something along "Maverick" (that Mel Gibson flick) meets "Casino Royal", which I would find interesting. So I'm really looking forward to seeing how it turns out.

FP, I don't think John Lesher knew that Ben Mendelsohn would star in "Mississippi Grind", when he gave that interview in London. Actually it's probably helpful that Mendelsohn will have a leading role in "How To Catch A Monster" before he'll act in Jake's movie. I understand that "Mississippi Grind" is targeted at American (and Australian) audiences. They don't need to cast internationally recognizable stars. But it won't hurt if Mendelsohn's name will be somewhat better known due to his leading role in "How To Catch A Monster", even if that is a low-budget independent movie, too.

Sasha, "Mississippi Grind" will be a road movie, if I'm not mistaken. I think I'm going to watch "It's Kind of a Funny Story" directed by Anna Boden to get a rough idea how "Mississippi Grind" could be like.

Oops I hit enter way too fast, I thought Lesher's comments were that they would start working on MG in May. I took that as meaning pre production. But I could be mistaken in what I heard.

Monster is not scheduled for release until 2014 and had not even begun pre production according to IMDB. But there does seem to be a lot of people attached to this film who were or are attached to Gosling. Writers, producers and actors but the independent film community is smaller than HW.

Gosling's film, like MG, might never happen. Such is the way of indie movies and vanity projects like Gosling's.

Hello and welcome to Sasha! Sorry for not greeting you earlier. Your site is really impressive. I can't imagine having to keep up with all Jake-related items in a different language. And it looks great.

I was just watching The Shoes video Time to Dance. It still scares be a bit to see that Jake with those doe eyes would make the perfect serial killer. But I found the 3:43 mark my favorite part these days.

Nonsense. Jake is sitting inside, in the corner with slicked back hair. Denis Villeneuve is sitting next to him on the outside. You can clearly see where Jake's sideburns end. If he had the beard you'd know. As was already mentioned, Paul Dano sitting across from them.

Thanks for all the new information. I'm starting to get excited about prisoners now.

A bit confused about the beard excitement: to me it does look like he's had a haircut and possible trim of the beard - but there's definitely still a bit left (which I'm happy about as I'm one of the few who actually like the beard by now!). Are people saying Jake is the man sitting in the corner? Am I seeing this wrong somehow?

Yes the picture is a little fuzzy but you can definitely see the full beard is gone may have a little scruff as one person mentioned in their tweet and AA that is Jake sitting in the corner next to Denis V. looks like his hair has been trimmed too its slicked back.

Regarding photo: I guess I disagree with the majority here but as I see it, Jake is sitting at the end, nearest the camera and still has a beard - although it may have been trimmed a little (it's hard to tell from the angle). I'm not sure if the guy in the corner is Denis V, but am pretty convinced that isn't Jake.

Jake's hair is darker than the guy sitting on the end, so in other words, like the guy sitting inside. Also, if you've been looking at pics of Jake for as long as I have you'd know the shape of his head and the profile of his brow. Guy sitting inside booth is Jake. With a shave.

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Jake Gyllenhaal

Jake is the kind of guy who can do a spot-on impression of someone you work with. He plays guitar and has a great voice. Kids and dogs love him. He loves his mom and sister and girlfriend. He's perfect. Too bad he's ugly. ~ Natalie Portman